The latest Gaslight Mystery from the bestselling author of Murder in Morningside Heights finds Sarah Brandt and Frank Malloy searching for a connection between a murdered newsie and a high society woman with dangerous habits.
Frank Malloy’s latest client is the well-dressed Will Bert. He’s searching for his brother, a newsboy named Freddie, so he can share his new financial good fortune. Frank makes quick work of the case and locates Freddie, but a happy reunion between brothers is not in the cards.
When Will’s name is mentioned, Freddie runs off—only to be found dead a short time later. Suspicious, Frank tracks down Will who spins a tale of lust and deceit involving a young society woman, Estelle Longacre, also recently deceased. Frank can’t be sure if Estelle’s risky behavior and the company she kept was to blame, or if her own ruthless family had a hand in her death.
Frank will need Sarah’s help to unearth the dark secrets of the wealthy Longacres and to discover if there is a connection between Estelle and Freddie’s death. Together they must navigate a perilous underground web of treachery to find the truth.
Praise for the Edgar® and Agatha award–nominated Gaslight Mysteries
“Tantalizing.”
—Catherine Coulter, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The End Game
“This long-lasting series . . . has lost none of its interest or attraction . . . Thompson has always vividly shown the life of the rich and the very poor of the city . . . This is a strong tale, emotionally and historically, and a puzzling mystery.”
—RT Book Reviews (4½ stars, Top Pick)
“Victoria Thompson shines . . . Anne Perry and Caleb Carr fans, rejoice!”
—Tamar Myers, national bestselling author of Tea with Jam and Dread
“Fast-paced . . . Another Victorian page-turner!”
—Robin Paige, national bestselling author of Death on the Lizard
“Gangs of New York, eat your heart out—this book is the real thing.”
—Mystery Scene
“A fascinating window into a bygone era.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Thompson vividly re-creates the gaslit world of old New York.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Sarah Brandt makes an intriguing sleuth, and [Thompson’s] Gaslight series is a consistent winner.”
—Booklist
“Enthralling . . . Fascinating characters with a story to tell.”
—Fresh Fiction
“Rewarding reading to fans of Rhys Bowen and Cordelia Frances Biddle.”—Library Journal
“With writing this good, I would recommend not missing a single Thompson tale.”—Suspense Magazine